A Renault Clio radio asks for its security code after the head unit loses its permanent live feed — a flat battery, a battery change, a jump start or the radio being unplugged. The code is held against the serial number of that head unit, not against the registration or VIN. Fitted units: Renault Update List, Tuner List, Renault Radiosat. Ignition on, radio switched off. Once you have the serial, enter it in the radio code finder on this page.
Radio codes belong to the head unit serial number, not the vehicle registration or VIN.
A flat battery, battery replacement or radio removal is what triggers the code prompt.
Covers Renault Clio 1998 to present (Clio II to Clio V).
Bob's never displays a guessed or generated code — if a working code can't be retrieved you get a full refund.
1998 to present (Clio II to Clio V). Renault Update List, Tuner List, Renault Radiosat
How to find the serial number:
Ignition on, radio switched off.
Press and hold button 6 for several seconds — the pre-code may appear.
If not, remove the unit with two U-shaped keys and read the PRE-CODE line on the barcode label.
It will be a letter plus three digits, such as K123.
How to key the code in:
Presets 1 to 4 select the digits.
Hold button 6 to confirm.
Three failed attempts triggers a lockout — verify the pre-code before the third try.
Worth knowing:
Clio II (1998–2005): Update List units. The pre-code is normally on the label only — plan on removing the unit.
Clio III (2005–2012): Tuner List units. Some display the pre-code by holding button 6 with the radio off and the ignition on.
Clio IV (2012–2019): many cars have R-Link or a Renault Radio Connect unit, which often does not use a classic four-digit code.
Renault extraction keys are U-shaped rather than the flat Ford type — the wrong keys will not release the clips.
My Clio radio shows Err That is a rejected code. You normally get three attempts before a timed lockout, so stop and re-check the pre-code rather than guessing.
Does a Clio IV with R-Link need a code? R-Link touchscreen systems generally do not use the four-digit radio code. If it is asking for a PIN, that is a different system lock.
Where exactly is the pre-code label? On the top or right-hand side of the head unit casing, printed as PRE-CODE or PRECODE above the barcode.